I believe it was Charles Kettering who famously said something along the lines of: “A problem well-stated is a problem half-solved.”

That’s power, no matter what problem you’re working on right now.

Too often we get stuck trying to figure out a creative problem that we just can’t work through. How do I make money doing what I love?How can I prove to my boss that my ideas are worthwhile?The materials I need are just too expensive! Or: There’s not enough time for everything.

When you start to frame your problem as not asking the right questions, solutions becomes easier to grasp at. Suddenly you’re not treading on water, but actually moving in a direction (and you’re going to quickly learn whether or not the direction is right or wrong).

So, if you’re stuck, get creative and start asking questions. Make a list of at least 50 alternate questions around your problem. Focus on addressing the 5 Ws: who, what, where, when, why.

Rather than asking: “How can I make a living as an artist?” Ask: “How can I sell my art for rent?” Rather than wondering: “What am I supposed to do if I can’t afford new materials?” Think: “What can I find in a dumpster to work with?”